President Obama signed the Coast Guard Authorization Act last night, transferring 2,500 acres of federal land at Port Clarence to local, state, and federal stakeholders. Located 120 nautical miles northwest of Nome, Port Clarence has long been left out of discussion as the location for the nation’s Arctic deep draft port.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski said in a press release that this land transfer is one of the first steps in making Alaska a leader in the Arctic.

Bering Straits Native Corporation is the main recipient of the land transfer.

In a press release by Bering Straits, CEO Gail Shubert said in a press release last week that this land transfer will move the region toward a “promising Arctic future.”

The KNOM Newsletter

We’re Hiring.

KNOM is hiring for a full-time News Director to coordinate all KNOM news programming and content. The News Director is the supervisor to the lead reporter and all volunteer fellows. The position is open until filled.

KNOM is hiring for a full-time Lead Reporter to serve as KNOM’s primary journalist for Western Alaska and to anchor daily and weekly newscasts on KNOM AM & FM. The Lead Reporter assists the News Director in training and coaching KNOM volunteer fellows. The position is open until filled.